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2.28.2016

An Unchanging Stronghold

I've never been one to feel comfortable in group settings; being
quiet and kinda shy has always been an insecurity of mine growing up and
still is something I struggle with. There are few people that I feel
comfortable enough to be myself around. It's nice to know that my
Creator is one of those whom I can be myself with. I don't have to
pretend to have it all-together. I don't have to act like I'm okay. I
don't have to hold back the pain. I don't have to describe how I'm
feeling, because He understands. But there are times I get too caught up
in people's opinions of me and I begin to rely on things for
satisfaction and I forget that God's opinion is the only one that truly
matters.

Throughout our everyday interactions it's easy
to begin relying on things and people that we treasure. We become
attached, and sometimes we begin to love them more than God. We seek
their approval and indulge in the happiness we receive from them. The
drawback to finding happiness and pleasure in people and material things
is that they change. Things change. Things let us down. People fail us and they don't always know what is best for us.

Sometimes
I begin relying on so many other things rather than putting my reliance
in God. I seek approval from people, I find happiness in feeling
accepted and I take pleasure in material possessions. Sometimes the more
and more we get involved with the world, God begins to get pushed aside
and we lose focus. How many times I've put people's thoughts of me over
what God's thoughts of me are. I try to please them (and me) more than
God.

I
want more to my life than personal satisfaction or popularity. I want
to be remembered as someone who stood up for what she believed even when
nobody else stood by her side. I want to bring honor and make God proud
with the life I lead rather than seeking earthly approval.

When
we rely too heavily on things here on this earth and we often grow
discouraged when people, things and circumstances change. It's hard
accepting changes when life was going good and then it took a hard turn.
Often we don't realize just how much something took up a part of our
life and how much we relied on things until they're gone. It's difficult
entrusting the things you desire most in God's hands and knowing He
will provide what you need in His timing. One thing that has always
encouraged me when I'm experiencing changes and transitions in my life
is to know that God will always be one thing I can count on that will
never change. He won't ever have a day that He won't listen or
understand. He won't forsake me. He won't ever leave me. He'll be by my
side even through the darkest valley. He's always there.

If
you're facing a difficult time and want something secure to hold onto,
go to God. He is your rock and your stronghold. When everything is
changing and falling apart around you, He remains. He will hold you and
love you. His love endures forever and doesn't fade or falter depending
on circumstances. Take a good look at your life and analyze how much you
are relying on people and possessions, then compare that to your
relationship with God. God is the one we should be relying on the most
and using as our stronghold. The things of this world will pass away,
but our relationship with God and what we did for Him will last forever!

I John 2:17

The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.

Hebrews 13:8

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

Psalm 18:2

The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my Savior; my God is my rock, in
whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my
place of safety.